Applications Now Open: Due Friday, July 31, 2026
Now in its 18th year, the Friends of BrainHealth make this funding mechanism available to support clinicians and scientists of any rank, affiliated with Center for BrainHealth, who are researching brain health with the goal of understanding, protecting, and optimizing the human brain.
For the 2026 grant application cycle, we are seeking projects that will advance dementia-related research and help position Center for BrainHealth to compete for anticipated Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT) funding.
There are two award categories:
- Visionary Scientist Award: faculty or independent scientists at Center for BrainHealth
- Emerging Scientist Award: graduate students, post doctoral fellows and post graduates who have received their degrees within the last two years, working at Center for BrainHealth
- Multidisciplinary collaborations with other UT Dallas departments or other UT schools are encouraged, provided the Principal Investigator is primarily affiliated with Center for BrainHealth.
Applications are due to Cindy Samuelsen (in one optimized PDF) by 5:00 p.m. July 31, 2026. Please email Cindy with any questions.
Find more information on the Friends of BrainHealth donor circle – a group of ardent supporters who make significant financial contributions toward furthering important BrainHealth research.
SUPPORT FOR LIFE-CHANGING STUDIES
Hear from researchers about how Friends grants provide critical, early-career support to emerging scientists while fueling a new era of transformative brain health breakthroughs.
Since 2008, Friends of BrainHealth has provided seedling grants that have enabled dozens of cutting-edge cognitive research studies, exploring new ways to enhance, protect and restore brain health across the lifespan.
Watch updates from past grant recipients (delivered April 8, 2026), accomplished scientists engaging in the next wave of academic research at Center for BrainHealth, medical breakthroughs in private practice, and corporate strategy at Lockheed Martin.